Poker De Sivola showed a liking for testing conditions when a comfortable winner over a longer trip here last month, Ferdy Murphy's gelding should not be inconvenienced by the drop back in trip and is taken to defy the 9lb rise in the weights, getting the vote ahead of Gunner Jack and Culcabock. The last mentioned, like a lot of Lucinda Russell's horses, is in good form at present and comes here on the back of a narrow success at Aintree but this looks tougher for him off a 9lb higher mark. Idarah handles cut in the ground, could improve for racing on a more testing surface and is closely matched with Culcabock on Aintree running. Dancing Lyra is hard to recommend on recent form, while Storymaker has more to do than when successful at Carlisle last time. The Nicky Richards-trained Gunner Jack is less exposed than his rivals and could be of interest first time in a handicap but Poker De Sivola has solid claims and it is he that gets the vote.
Rebel Rhythm 9-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 12, 36l behind Westender (11-9) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gd in May '06.
Poker De Sivola (FR) 5-2fav (11-1) Towards rear, headway 2 out, shaken up to lead flat, kept on, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov beating According To Pete (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Gunner Jack 7-4fav (10-12) Held up in touch, went 2nd 3 out, led after next, soon clear, comfortably, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Oct '06 beating Mr Preacher Man (10-12) by 10l, 16 ran.
Idarah (USA) 9-2 (11-12) Towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace from next, 4th of 11, 6l behind Roman Villa (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Culcabock (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, led last, driven out, won at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct beating Idarah (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Dancing Lyra 16-1 (10-8) Held up, headway 4 out, held when blundered last, 6th of 15, 12l behind Souffleur (10-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov.
Nelson du Ronceray (FR) 5-2 (11-7) In touch, effort approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 15, 14l behind Young Albert (11-7) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Reel Charmer 9-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, effort after 2 out, no impression, 4th of 8, 18l behind Poker De Sivola (11-1) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Storymaker 11-1 (10-8) Prominent, led 3 out, ridden and headed last, rallied to regain lead flat, all out, won at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov beating Etched In Stone (10-4) by 1l, 8 ran.
